Mental Health

Malaysia’s population is almost at the rate of being 100% fully inoculated against COVID-19, and the economy is slowly opening up, but is ‘going back to normal’ as easy as it seems? Many are faced with the anxiety of re-entering society and we talk about it this World Mental Health Day.

Having to stay home for more than a year due to MCO has taken its toll on many Malaysians, especially affecting people’s mental health. While COVID-19 vaccination efforts are ramping up, it has emphasised feelings of waiting and not having control over what the present looks like. This feeling has a term to it: languishing.

Times are hard, and the pandemic has contributed to the need for better mental health services. But before someone runs to a professional, they’re likely to turn to someone they’re close to first – so what do you do?


It’s been a long day of work, and you need a new experience to help you unwind. Why not make the best out of your phone and try out these 12 calming mobile games? Bonus: Some of them are free!


The pandemic has brought a bout of frenzy for the seasoned traveller. Should you be experiencing extreme cabin fever or some form of travel 'deficit', it can all be dealt with to a degree. It takes being cooped-up to make one see that a few adjustments can help ease these travel-starved times.

There are many little things you can do at home to boost feel good feelings, keep sane during lockdown, and above all, stay feeling empowered.

It may no longer be May but we're celebrating women and women's health all year round! Zafigo readers still get to embark on a journey to better health with some exclusive discounts from our partner brands. Check it out!

A recap of what we discussed during the fourteenth episode of Hello Zafigo. We talked about mental health accessibility in Malaysia, what it means to feel 'languished', the importance of having words to describe how we're feeling, and more.

Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim, mental health patron for MIASA, and Lavender Tan, a clinical psychologist from The Mind speak to us about mental health and how to take charge, starting from within.

As we all try to make it through a global pandemic with our sanities intact, here is a list of free resources available for Malaysians to keep your own mental health in check.